It’s been a while since I written one of these posts. Because of that I want to elaborate on the purpose of this website and why it exists. I am training to be an elder and part of this website’s purpose is to hold me accountable to daily Bible reading by posting my thoughts on something I read in the Bible, allowing those of the congregation to see my growth via posting weekly reports of my growth towards Eldership and and towards God, posting my sermon notes, posting my elders academy essays and papers, and posting responses to various Christian claims. On my journey towards Eldership I have been growing immensely. I haven’t done as much Elders Academy homework and website work as I would have liked, and my lack of posts are a testament to that issue. I’m working to get back into the swing of that type of work. When it comes to my growth as a Christian this last week in particular I have been working towards praying without ceasing. I would like to integrate God into my thought life, where rather than talking to myself in my own thoughts, I talk to him. I’ve been setting reminders to continually pray and contemplating on the overall importance of prayer and its effects on the every day life. It’s helped me to be more in prayer but not yet praying without ceasing. I am continually forgetful to pray throughout the day.

”pray continually,“ – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV

Paul tells the Thessalonians to pray continually. Prayer is a really important part of the believers life as it allows for communion with God on a very deep and personal level. It’s how we communicate with him. Continually praying means that we are always having God on our minds and it keeps us from only focusing on ourselves and focusing on sin. Having a strong prayer life is important for Eldership because it keeps the leader tethered to God and keeps him from sin, and as he is leading, shows others to do the same, and if not done, the consequences of falling to sin are greater since he leads others towards it. My hope is that I can grow even stronger as a Christian and that I can learn to rely on, love, and appreciate God more by praying to him continually and that it will make me a better leader.